By REUBEN OLITA
May 23, 2026| Leaders in Teso North Constituency have appealed for calm following a mysterious fire that razed the home of nominated Busia County MCA Rose Amoit, urging the public to allow investigative agencies to conduct thorough inquiries.
Speaking during the burial service of Laban Papa Osigah, 91, at Apokor sub-location in Angurai Division, the leaders—led by MCA Isaac Wamalwa, former councillor Ikwaras Okabose, and a representative of MCA Amoit—called on residents to avoid speculation and instead cooperate with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“We are not the DCI, and we are not forensic auditors. There are experts mandated to investigate such matters,” said Wamalwa. “Whoever will be found culpable should face the law, and whoever has information should share it with the sleuths.”
Former councillor Ikwaras Okabose urged political maturity among those seeking elective positions, cautioning against personal attacks. He also dismissed claims that Deputy Governor Arthur Odera intends to contest for the Senate seat, describing the rumors as political propaganda.
Meanwhile, Teso KNUT official Gerald Ekisa, who has declared interest in the Angurai North ward seat, called for peaceful issue-based campaigns. He challenged local leaders to support maize farmers, noting the high cost of production eats into profits. “When you give me the opportunity to serve as your MCA, I will address that problem,” Ekisa said.
The late Laban Osigah was eulogized as an affable, soft-spoken man who served in the Treasury. Retired DCIO William Indeke, also a Teso elder, recalled how Osigah hosted him at his Nairobi home in 1980. “He was a man of few words,” Indeke said.
Moding Location Chief Gilbert Odera urged residents to reject tribal politics and voiced concern over rising cases of young married women leaving families to seek domestic work in Nairobi. “I have information that young women aged between 25 and 30 are travelling to Nairobi through Green Line buses. Eight women from this location alone have relocated, leaving behind their children,” he said, urging couples to uphold family unity.
The late Osigah is survived by a widow, two children, 17 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.